§ Dame Jill KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his proposals to encourage greater use of buses and further investment in the bus manufacturing industry.
§ Mr. FreemanBuses play an invaluable role in transporting large numbers of people going about their daily business. They will continue to be the major form of public transport in most urban areas and their greater use can play a significant part in reducing congestion and improving the environment.
My Department is currently working on new advice to local authorities on a variety of traffic management measures designed to give buses advantage over other traffic. We intend to publish new guidance before the end of the year.
We have recently set up a working group with local authorities and the bus industry to look at ways of encouraging more bus usage. Local authorities have been asked to identify bus priority schemes for credit approvals and we hope to be able to support some measures in 1992–93.
743WInvestment in new buses is a matter for the operators, but it is clearly in their interests to ensure they provide as modern and attractive facilities as possible. London Buses Ltd. plans to spend up to £30 million on bus purchase and bus refurbishment in 1991–92.
Environmental standards for vehicles are of the utmost importance. We have taken the lead in the EC in pressing for tough new emission standards for large diesel-engined vehicles.
We are currently investigating the possibility of improving the in-service checks on smoke emissions and the public are being encouraged to report to the traffic commissioners any heavy vehicles emitting excessive smoke.
We are committed to the creation of a thriving bus industry, with high quality standards, which is capable of meeting the future needs of the travelling public.